Pakistan condemns terrorists as it clocks 72

Pakistan has condemned terrorism in strongest terms noting that it violets human and divine values by inflicting death and destruction on fellow human beings…

In a statement to mark Pakistan Day today, issued yesterday the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Tanzania,Tajammul Altaf, said his country condemns terrorism because it is a mindset that seeks to impose upon others through force and should not be linked to race, faith, culture or system.

”We firmly believe that terrorism must not be associated with any race, faith, value system, culture or society. Unjustified use of terms like "Islamic terrorism" hurts the sensibilities of more than a billion Muslims. Islam is a religion of peace. The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) pardoned his worst enemies at the time of victory in Makkah.

He says the cataclysmic developments in the wake of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Afghan Jihad, withdrawal of the Soviet Union, and collective neglect of Afghanistan's economic, social and political needs were to a large extent responsible for the atrocities of 9/11.

“Today, we all are trying to cope with the fall of this horrendous development. In the process, Pakistan as a frontline state in the struggle against extremism and terrorism has lost more than 30,000 civilians, more than 6,000 soldiers and more than 3,000 personnel of law enforcement agencies.

Our economic losses have exceeded US$ 70 billion. If we include lost opportunities and enormous damage to infrastructure then losses are more than twice,” he notes.

He has called for collective responsibility of the entire international community to fight and defeat terrorism.

“Our people are courageous and resilient. Pakistan has valiant forces and a vibrant democracy. Our media is free and judiciary is independent. These are our national assets in fight against militancy,” he says.

He says that despite bearing the heaviest toll of war on terror and facing unprecedented natural calamities of 2010 and last year due to unprecedented floods, the “resilient people” of Pakistan are fully poised and determined to face all challenges head on in their way towards their progress and putting their economy back on track.

The High Commissioner says his country has reiterated Pakistan's principled stance of supporting Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan stressing that the recent Trilateral Summit at Islamabad on February 16- 17 this year 2012 was reflective of his country’s resolve and commitment to cooperate on issues of common interest such as fight against terrorism, narcotics and organized crimes and work together for socioeconomic uplift of the region.

“We believe that inter regional connectivity and creation of economic opportunities in the region would lead to peace, development and stability of the region,” he says.

He conveyed convey to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania the best wishes and greetings from the President, Government and people of Pakistan.

He says Pakistan is blessed with tremendous natural and human resources which the country has resolved to harness.

“Pakistan, with its prime location straddling South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, is determined to get its due place in the comity of nations and due share in inter-regional economic and commercial activities. We are determined to play our role as a multiplier force for restoring peace, stability, harmony and economic development within the country and beyond especially in South Asia,” he says.

“Our strong commitment to peace and security stems from our conviction that a peaceful and secure environment, regionally as well as globally, is imperative for eradicating poverty; and to ensure sustained economic growth, prosperity and welfare of our people as well as other countries in the region”

He said the re-opening of the High Commission in 2009 has re-invigorated and re-energized close, cooperative and cordial relations. The Government of Pakistan and the High Commission have been making consistent efforts to augment cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, defense, industry, agriculture, education, banking, postal services, railways, human resource management and trade.

He quoted Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda during the re-opening of the High Commissioner as saying that Tanzania has always considered Pakistan as an important partne, which had all along supported Tanzania bilaterally, regionally and internationally on issues of mutual concern and interest.

He notes that the government of Pakistan elevated Tanzania to List- A Countries for issuance of visas last year. The Tanzanian Government on its part reduced visa fees for Pakistani visitors and businessmen from US$ 200-400 to US$ 50 and US$ 250 respectively.

“These positive developments coupled with trade promotion and visits of Pakistani businessmen and investors have resulted in 25 percent increase in our bilateral trade from US$ 54.4 million in 2009-2010 to US$68.283 million in 2010-2011.

Also 20 Pakistani businessmen participated in the 35th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) from 28 June to 08 July 2011. A four-member delegation headed by Mr. Aloys Joseph Mwamanga, President, Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture attended Expo Pakistan 2011 held in Karachi from 20-23 October 2011. 30 Pakistani businessmen participated in recently concluded Syrian and International Exhibition held in Dar es Salaam from 17 February to 04 March 2012.

It is my special honour that more than 3000 Pakistanis residing in Tanzania are participating in socio-economic development of Tanzania.

“We are grateful to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and friendly people of Tanzania for their continued support so generously extended to Pakistanis living and working in Tanzania,”

Oh his part Ghazi Naeemullah Dar, Chairman of the Pakistan Welfare Association which engages itself in areas of work, education and health while assisting people in distress. The association also celebrates national days of Pakistan and Tanzania

“We have targeted to distribute one hundred manual sewing machines to windows, ‘orphans’ centers and people wanting to improve petty businesses. This is not only an Islamic prescription as a “sadka” but also within the resolution of United Nations in the Millennium Development Goals. One of the goals that speak about “eradication of extreme poverty and hunger,” he says.

He says one glaring example of assisting people in distress was during the tragic rain-flood in Pakistan and in Tanzania. The tragedy was intense in both the countries. Human lives, property and business were disrupted.

“We had every reason to feel the tragedy to the core of our hearts. We acted in unison and managed to collect relief assistance and financial help to the people of Pakistan and Tanzania. As usual, Pakistan High Commission was our mentor in undertaking such colossal project,” he says.

Onother area were the Pakistan Welfare Association is has played a positive role is to assist reduce extreme poverty among the people of Tanzania.

“We have targeted to distribute one hundred manual sewing machines to

windows, 'orphans' centers and people wanting to improve petty businesses. This is not only an Islamic prescription as a ‘sadka’ but also within the resolution of United Nations in the Millennium Development Goals. One of the goals that speak about "eradication of extreme poverty and hunger,” he says.

A flag hoisting ceremony will be held to today to mark the 72nd Anniversary of the National Day of Pakistan at the High Commission for Pakistan located in Dar es Salaam.

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Tanzania Tajammul Altaf, will perform the flag hoisting ceremony in accompaniment of the national anthem of Pakistan. Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan will be read out on this occasion.

On 23 March 1940, the Muslims of South Asia, under dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, adopted the Lahore Resolution. It determined the future direction for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims.

The struggle for independence culminated on 14 August 1947 when Pakistan was carved out as an independent country for the Muslims of the Sub-continent where they would lead their lives in accordance with their aspirations, heritage, culture, civilization, social norms and tenets of Islam.